Taiwan — Visas and Vaccinations

The National Immigration Agency website (http://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1090149&ctNode=30085&mp=2) is the first place foreign tourists should visit in order to determine whether or not a visa will be required to enter Taiwan. Citizens of America, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore may visit Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa. Tourists holding passports from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and many other European nations may stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Visitors to Taiwan are advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, and Japanese Encephalitis. Visitors who are likely to come into contact with animals should consider inoculation against rabies.

Health and Safety

Taiwan is a generally law abiding country that is safe for tourists. Travelers should be alert to pickpockets in crowded areas such as markets. Women catching a taxi late at night are advised to do so with a friend.

Tap water is considered safe as long as it has been boiled. However, most people in Taiwan prefer to stick to bottled water. Food should be properly cooked before consumption and eaten while still hot. Tourists should avoid ice and unpasteurized milk. Some fish may contain bio-toxins even after cooking. In particular, barracuda, amberjack, grouper, red snapper, and sea bass should be avoided. Visitors should use insect repellents to guard against mosquito and tick borne diseases.